Solid-state image pickup element and camera system having mechanism for canceling potential drop on signal line

ABSTRACT

A pixel driving portion  102  can carry out first read drive with which a transfer element is turned OFF in accordance with a drive signal TG to output a signal at an output node, and second read drive with which the transfer element is turned ON in accordance with the drive signal TG to transfer signal charges to the output node, thereby outputting a signal at the output node. A pixel signal reading portion  103, 104  outputs a signal corresponding to a difference between the signal read out in accordance with the second read drive and the signal read out in accordance with the first read drive.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/670515, entitled “SOLID-STATE IMAGE PICKUP ELEMENT AND CAMERA SYSTEMHAVING MECHANISM FOR CANCELING POTENTIAL DROP ON SIGNAL LINE,” filed onJan. 25, 2010, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by referenceto the extent permitted by law. The present invention claims priority toJapanese Patent Application No. P2008-140627, filed May 29, 2008, theentirety of which is also incorporated herein by reference to the extentpermitted by law.

The present invention relates to a solid-state image pickup elementtypified by a CMOS image sensor, and a camera system.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, a CMOS image sensor has attracted attention as asolid-state image pickup element (image sensor) as an alternative to aCCD.

The reason for this is because a dedicated process is required formanufacture of CCD pixels, and a plurality of power source voltages arerequired for an operation of the CCD, and moreover the CCD needs to beoperated based on a combination of a plurality of peripheral ICs.

Also, the reason for this is that the CMOS image sensor overcomesvarious kinds of problems that in the case of such a CCD, the systembecomes very complicated, and so forth.

The same manufacture process as that for a general CMOS type integratedcircuit can be used for manufacture of the CMOS image sensor. Inaddition, the CMOS image sensor can be driven by a single power source.Moreover, an analog circuit and a logical circuit each manufactured byusing a CMOS process can be provided in the same chip in a mixed manner.

For this reason, the CMOS image sensor has a plurality of large meritsthat the number of peripheral ICs can be reduced, and so forth.

A 1 channel (ch) output using a FD amplifier having the FloatingDiffusion layer (FD: Floating Diffusion) is the mainstream in an outputcircuit of the CCD.

On the other hand, the CMOS image sensor has the FD amplifier everypixel. Such a column parallel output type CMOS image sensor that one rowlying in a pixel array is selected, and data in the one row thusselected is simultaneously read out in a column direction is mainstreamin an output of the CMOS image sensor.

The reason for this is because a sufficient drive ability is hardlyobtained with the FD amplifier disposed within the pixel, and thus adata rate needs to be reduced, so that the parallel processing isadvantageous.

Hereinafter, a general CMOS image sensor will be described.

In the CMOS image sensor, firstly, a reset voltage (Pre-charge phase:hereinafter referred to as a P phase) is read out, and thereafter, anaddition voltage (Data phase: hereinafter referred to as a D phase)obtained by adding the reset voltage and a signal voltage to each otheris read out, thereby outputting a signal obtained by subtracting thereset voltage from the addition voltage.

In the CMOS image sensor, such Correlated Double Sampling (CDS:Correlated Double Sampling) is generally carried out (for example, referto a Patent Document 1).

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a pixel, of a CMOS imagesensor, composed of four transistors.

This pixel 1 has a photoelectric conversion element 11, for example,composed of a photodiode. Also, the pixel 1 has the four transistors ofa transfer transistor 12, a reset transistor 13, an amplificationtransistor 14, and a selection transistor 15 as active elements for theone photoelectric conversion element 11.

The photoelectric conversion element 11 photoelectrically converts anincident light into an amount of electric charges (electrons in thiscase) corresponding to a light quantity of the incident light.

The transfer transistor 12 is connected between the photoelectricconversion element 11 and a Floating Diffusion FD (Floating Difusion). Adrive signal TG is supplied to a gate (transfer gate) of the transfertransistor 12 through a transfer control line LT_(x). As a result, thetransfer transistor 12 transfers the electrons obtained through thephotoelectric conversion in the photoelectric conversion element 11 tothe floating diffusion FD.

The reset transistor 13 is connected between a power source line LVDDand the floating diffusion FD. A reset signal RST is supplied to a gateof the reset transistor 13 through a reset control line LRST. As aresult, the reset transistor 13 resets a potential at the floatingdiffusion FD at a potential of the power source line LVDD.

A gate of the amplification transistor 14 is connected to the floatingdiffusion FD. The amplification transistor 14 is connected to a signalline 16 through the selection transistor 15, thereby composing a sourcefollower together with a constant current source provided outside thepixel portion.

Also, an address signal (select signal) SEL is supplied to a gate of theselection transistor 15 through a selection control line LSEL, therebyturning ON the selection transistor 15.

When the selection transistor 15 is turned ON, the amplificationtransistor 14 amplifies the potential at the floating diffusion FD,thereby outputting a voltage corresponding to the potential thusamplified to the signal line 16. Voltages outputted from the respectivepixels are outputted to a column circuit (column processing circuit)through the respective signal lines 16.

A reset operation of the pixel is such that the transfer transistor 12is turned ON for the electric charges accumulated in the photoelectricconversion element 11, and thus the electric charges accumulated in thephotoelectric conversion element 11 are transferred to the floatingdiffusion FD to be discharged.

At this time, the floating diffusion FD turns ON the reset transistor 13to discharge the electric charges to the power source side in advance sothat the floating diffusion FD receives the electric charges accumulatedin the photoelectric conversion element 11. Or, while the transfertransistor 12 is held in an ON state, the floating diffusion FD turns ONthe reset transistor 13 in parallel with turn-ON of the transfertransistor 12, thereby directly discharging the electric charges to thepower source in some cases.

On the other hand, in a read operation, firstly, the reset transistor 13is turned ON to reset the floating diffusion FD. In this state, anoutput signal is outputted to the output signal line 16 through theselection transistor 15 turned ON. This output is referred to as aP-phase output.

Next, the transfer transistor 12 is turned ON to transfer the electriccharges accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element 11 to thefloating diffusion FD. An output signal obtained through the transfer ofthe electric charges is outputted to the output signal line 16. Thisoutput is referred to as a D-phase output.

A difference between the D-phase output and the P-phase output isobtained in an outside of the pixel circuit, and a reset noise of thefloating diffusion FD is canceled, thereby obtaining an image signal.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a general configuration of theCMOS image sensor (solid-state image pickup element) in which the pixelseach shown in FIG. 1 are disposed in a two-dimensional array.

The CMOS image sensor 20 shown in FIG. 2 is composed of a pixel arrayportion 21 in which the pixel circuits each shown in FIG. 1 are disposedin a two-dimensional array, a row selecting circuit (either a pixeldriving circuit or a vertical driving circuit) 22, and a column circuit(column processing circuit) 23.

The pixel driving circuit 22 controls turn-ON/OFF of the transfertransistor 12, the reset transistor 13, and the selection transistor 15in each of the pixels in each of the rows.

The column circuit 23 is a circuit for receiving data in the row of thepixels read-controlled by the pixel driving circuit 22, and transferringthe data to a signal processing circuit in a subsequent stage.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a timing chart of a pixel data readingoperation in the CMOS image sensor shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

In the pixel array portion in which the pixels each shown in FIG. 1 aredisposed in m rows and n columns, a change in potential VSL of thevertical signal line 16 belonging to a y-th column for a time period (atime period of 1 H) for which as shown in FIG. 3, the pixels belongingto an x-th row are selected is designated by VSL_(y) (1≦x≦m, 1≦y≦n).

A select signal SEL_(x) for the x-th row becomes a high level, therebyselecting an x-th row. Also, when the reset signal RST_(x) becomes ahigh level, the floating diffusion FD of the pixel in the x-th row andthe y-th column becomes a high level, so that the potential VSL_(y)becomes a reset level referred to as the P phase.

After that, when a drive signal TG_(x) becomes a high level, theelectric charges within the pixel move to the floating diffusion FD, andthus the potential of the floating diffusion FD drops, so that thepotential VSL_(y) of the signal line 16 drops.

A level of the potential VSL_(y) of the signal line 16 at that time ismade to be the D phase.

A difference between the D phase and the P phase is outputted similarlyto the case of the foregoing, whereby a sensor output, having lessnoise, in which manufacture dispersions of the VSLs are canceled isobtained.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT Patent Document

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-69404

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the CMOS image sensor described above, however, the output of thesensor contains therein a component other than the pixel signal which isto be essentially outputted.

It is ideal that as shown in FIG. 3, either after the reset signalRST_(x) becomes the high level, or after the drive signal TG_(x) becomesthe high level, the given potential is maintained.

Actually, however, as shown in FIG. 4, the potential VSL of the outputsignal line 16 drops due to the drop of the potential of the floatingdiffusion FD by a leakage current, or the like.

The output of the sensor at this time contains therein the pixel signalwhich is to be essentially outputted plus the potential drop of the VSL.

When the potential drop is large, a white point called an FD white point(TG·OFF white point), a vertical streak, a shading or the like occurs inthe output image from the sensor. In particular, deterioration of animage quality at a low illuminance is caused.

In addition, in recent years, shared pixels in which the FD portion isshared among several pixels due to the seeking of miniaturization of thepixels have been used. In particular, in the case of the shared pixels,the deterioration of the image quality is remarkable because the FDwhite point becomes a defect spanning the number of pixels shared.

The present invention aims at providing a solid-state image pickupelement with which a drop of a potential of a signal line for a readtime period can be canceled, a noise can be reduced, and in turn a highimage quality is realized, and a camera system.

A solid-state image pickup element according to a first aspect of thepresent invention has: a pixel portion in which a plurality of pixelcircuits each having a mechanism for converting an optical signal intoan electrical signal, and accumulating the electrical signal inaccordance with exposure time are disposed in a matrix; a pixel drivingportion which can be driven so as to carry out the accumulation, andtransfer and output of signal electric charges in the pixel portion; anda pixel signal reading portion for reading signals of pixels from thepixel portion; the pixel circuit of the pixel portions includes; anoutput node; a photoelectric conversion element for converting theoptical signal into the electrical signal, and accumulating therein thesignal electric charges; and a transfer element which is turned ON/OFFin accordance with a drive signal, and transfers the electric charges inthe photoelectric conversion element in an ON state to the output node;the pixel driving portion can carry out first read drive with which thetransfer element is turned OFF in accordance with the drive signal tooutput the signal at the output node, and second read drive with whichthe transfer element is turned ON in accordance with the drive signal totransfer the signal electric charges to the output node, therebyoutputting the signal at the output node; and the pixel signal readingportion has a function of outputting a signal corresponding to adifference between a signal read out in accordance with the second readdrive, and a signal read out in accordance with the first read drive.

A solid-state image pickup element according to a second aspect of thepresent invention has: a pixel portion in which a plurality of pixelcircuits each having a mechanism for converting an optical signal intoan electrical signal, and accumulating the electrical signal inaccordance with exposure time are disposed in a matrix; a pixel drivingportion which can be driven so as to carry out reset of the pixelportion, and accumulation and output of signal electric charges; and apixel signal reading portion for reading signals of pixels from thepixel portion; the pixel circuit of the pixel portions includes; anoutput node; a photoelectric conversion element for converting theoptical signal into the electrical signal, and accumulating therein thesignal electric charges; a reset element which is turned ON/OFF inaccordance with a reset signal, and resets the output node in an ONstate; and a transfer element which is turned ON/OFF in accordance witha drive signal, and transfers the electric charges in the photoelectricconversion element in the ON state to the output node; the pixel drivingportion can carry out first read drive with which reset read drive withwhich the reset element is turned ON in accordance with the reset signalto output a signal at the output node, and non-transfer read drive withwhich the transfer element is turned OFF in accordance with the drivesignal to output the signal at the output node are carried out, andsecond read drive with which reset read drive with which the resetelement is turned ON in accordance with the reset signal to output thesignal at the output node, and transfer read drive with which thetransfer element is turned ON in accordance with the drive signal totransfer the signal electric charges to the output node, therebyoutputting the signal at the output node are carried out; and the pixelsignal reading portion has a function of outputting a signalcorresponding to a difference between a signal read out in accordancewith the second read drive, and a signal read out in accordance with thefirst read drive.

Suitably, the pixel driving portion and the pixel signal reading portioncarry out the first read drive and the second read drive, and the outputof the signal corresponding to the difference between the signal readout in accordance with the second read drive and the signal read out inaccordance with the first read drive for a time period for which datafor one row of the pixels is read out.

Suitably, the pixel signal reading portion includes: a plurality ofcomparators which are disposed so as to correspond to a columnarrangement of the pixels, and which compare read-out signal potentialswith a reference voltage for judgment, and output judgment results,respectively; and a plurality of up/down counters operations of whichare controlled in accordance with outputs from the comparators,respectively, and each of which counts comparison time of correspondingone of the comparators.

Suitably, the plurality of up/down counters carry out either down countor up count in a phase of the first read drive, and carry out either upcount or down count in a phase of the second read drive.

Suitably, the plurality of up/down counters carry out either up count ordown count in the reset read drive, and carry out either down count orup count in the non-transfer read drive in the phase of the first readdrive, and carry out either down count or up count in the reset readdrive and carry out either up count or down count in the transfer readdrive in the phase of the second read drive.

Suitably, the plurality of up/down counters carry out either down countor up count in the non-transfer read drive in the phase of the firstread drive, and carry out either up count or down count in the transferread drive in the phase of the second read drive.

Suitably, a first mode and a second mode can be switched over to eachother in accordance with a mode switching signal; in a phase of thefirst mode, the pixel driving portion carries out only the second readdrive, and the pixel signal reading portion outputs a signal read out inaccordance with the second read drive; and in a phase of the secondmode, the pixel driving portion carries out the first read drive and thesecond read drive, and the pixel signal reading portion outputs a signalcorresponding to a difference between the signal read out in accordancewith the second read drive and a signal read out in accordance with thefirst read drive.

A camera system according to a third aspect of the present inventionhas: a solid-state image pickup element; an optical system for imagingan image of a subject on the image pickup element; and a signalprocessing circuit for processing an output image signal from the imagepickup element; the solid-state image pickup element has: a pixelportion in which a plurality of pixel circuits each having a mechanismfor converting an optical signal into an electrical signal, andaccumulating the electrical signal in accordance with exposure time aredisposed in a matrix; a pixel driving portion which can be driven so asto carry out the accumulation, and transfer and output of signalelectric charges in the pixel portion; and a pixel signal readingportion for reading signals of pixels from the pixel portion; the pixelcircuit of the pixel portions includes; an output node; a photoelectricconversion element for converting the optical signal into the electricalsignal, and accumulating therein the signal electric charges; and atransfer element which is turned ON/OFF in accordance with a drivesignal, and transfers the electric charges in the photoelectricconversion element in an ON state to the output node; the pixel drivingportion can carry out first read drive with which the transfer elementis turned OFF in accordance with the drive signal to output the signalat the output node, and second read drive with which the transferelement is turned ON in accordance with the drive signal to transfer thesignal electric charges to the output node, thereby outputting thesignal at the output node; and the pixel signal reading portion has afunction of outputting a signal corresponding to a difference between asignal read out in accordance with the second read drive, and a signalread out in accordance with the first read drive.

A camera system according to a fourth aspect of the present inventionhas: a solid-state image pickup element; an optical system for imagingan image of a subject on the image pickup element; and a signalprocessing circuit for processing an output image signal from the imagepickup element; the solid-state image pickup element has: a pixelportion in which a plurality of pixel circuits each having a mechanismfor converting an optical signal into an electrical signal, andaccumulating the electrical signal in accordance with exposure time aredisposed in a matrix; a pixel driving portion which can be driven so asto carry out reset of the pixel portion, and accumulation and output ofsignal electric charges; and a pixel signal reading portion for readingsignals of pixels from the pixel portion; the pixel circuit of the pixelportions includes; an output node; a photoelectric conversion elementfor converting the optical signal into the electrical signal, andaccumulating therein the signal electric charges; a reset element whichis turned ON/OFF in accordance with a reset signal, and resets theoutput node in an ON state; and a transfer element which is turnedON/OFF in accordance with a drive signal, and transfers the electriccharges in the photoelectric conversion element in the ON state to theoutput node; the pixel driving portion can carry out first read drivewith which reset read drive with which the reset element is turned ON inaccordance with the reset signal to output a signal at the output node,and non-transfer read drive with which the transfer element is turnedOFF in accordance with the drive signal to output the signal at theoutput node are carried out, and second read drive with which reset readdrive with which the reset element is turned ON in accordance with thereset signal to output the signal at the output node, and transfer readdrive with which the transfer element is turned ON in accordance withthe drive signal to transfer the signal electric charges to the outputnode, thereby outputting the signal at the output node are carried out;and the pixel signal reading portion has a function of outputting asignal corresponding to a difference between a signal read out inaccordance with the second read drive, and a signal read out inaccordance with the first read drive.

According to the present invention, the first read drive with which thetransfer element is turned OFF in accordance with the drive signal tooutput the signal at the output node, and the second read drive withwhich the transfer element is turned ON in accordance with the drivesignal to transfer the signal electric charges to the output node,thereby outputting the signal at the output node are carried out in thepixel driving portion.

The read signal based on the first read drive and the read signal basedon the second read drive are supplied to the pixel signal readingportion.

Also, in the pixel signal reading portion, the difference between thesignal read out in accordance with the second read drive and the signalread out in accordance with the first read drive is obtained, and thesignal corresponding to that difference is outputted.

According to the present invention, the drop of the potential of thesignal line for the read time period can be canceled, the noise can bereduced, and in turn the high image quality increasing can be realized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a pixel in a CMOS image sensorcomposed of four transistors.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a general configuration of theCMOS image sensor (solid-state image pickup element) in which the pixelseach shown in FIG. 1 are disposed in a two-dimensional array.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart for explaining P-phase read and D-phase read inthe general CMOS image sensor.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a problem of the P-phase read and theD-phase read in the general CMOS image sensor.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a CMOSimage sensor (solid-state image pickup element) according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a pixel of the CMOS imagesensor composed of four transistors according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart for explaining P-phase read and D-phase readaccording to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a solid-state image pickup element(CMOS image sensor) in which a plurality of modes can be switched overto one another.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of asolid-state image pickup element (CMOS image sensor) equipped with acolumn parallel ADC according to the embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing a reading method, for a time period of1 H, of realizing output of [TG·ON signal−TG·OFF signal] in the CMOSimage sensor shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing another reading method, for a timeperiod of 1 H, of realizing output of [TG·ON signal−TG·OFF signal] inthe CMOS image sensor of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a camerasystem to which the solid-state image pickup element according to theembodiment of the present invention is applied.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described inconjunction with the drawings.

<First Embodiment>

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a CMOSimage sensor (solid-state image pickup element) according to anembodiment of the present invention.

This CMOS image sensor 100 has a pixel array portion 101, a rowselecting circuit (vertical driving circuit) 102 as a pixel drivingportion, a column reading circuit (column processing circuit) 103, aline memory 104 for k rows, an amplifier circuit 105, and a transferline 106.

A pixel signal reading portion is composed of the column reading circuit103, the line memory 104, the amplifier circuit 105, and the transferline 106 of these constituent elements.

In the pixel array portion 101, a plurality of pixel circuits aredisposed in a two-dimensional shape (in a matrix) with m rows and ncolumns.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a pixel of the CMOS imagesensor composed of four transistors according to the embodiment.

The pixel circuit 101A has a photoelectric conversion element 111, forexample, composed of a photodiode.

The pixel circuit 101A has four transistors of a transfer transistor 112as a transfer element, a reset transistor 113 as a reset element, anamplification transistor 114, and a selection transistor 115 as activeelements for the one photoelectric conversion element 111.

The photoelectric conversion element 111 photoelectrically converts anincident light into electric charges (electrons in the embodiment)corresponding to a light quantity of the incident light.

The transfer transistor 112 is connected between the photoelectricconversion element 111 and a floating diffusion FD as an output node.

A drive signal TG is supplied to a gate (transfer gate) of the transfertransistor 112 through a transfer control line LT_(x), therebytransferring the electrons generated through the photoelectricconversion made in the photoelectric conversion element 111 to thefloating diffusion FD.

The reset transistor 113 is connected between the power source line LVDDand the floating diffusion FD.

A reset RST is supplied to a gate of the reset transistor 113 through areset control line LRST, whereby the reset transistor 113 resets apotential of the floating diffusion FD at a potential of the powersource line LVDD.

A gate of the amplification transistor 114 is connected to the floatingdiffusion FD. The amplification transistor 114 is connected to a signalline LSGN through the selection transistor 115, thereby composing asource follower together with a constant current source provided outsidethe pixel portion.

Also, a control signal (either an address signal or a select signal) SELis supplied to a gate of the selection transistor 115 through aselection control line LSEL, thereby turning ON the selection transistor115.

When the selection transistor 115 is turned ON, the amplificationtransistor 114 amplifies the potential at the floating diffusion FD tooutput a voltage corresponding to that potential to the signal line 116.Voltages outputted from the respective pixels are outputted to thecolumn circuit 103 through the respective signal lines 116.

These operations are simultaneously carried out with respect to thepixels for one row because, for example, the gates of the transfertransistor 112, the reset transistor 113, and the selection transistor115 are connected in rows.

The reset control line LRST, the transfer control line LT_(x), and theselection control line LSEL which are wired in the pixel array portion101 are wired as a set in rows of the pixel arrangement.

The reset control line LRST, the transfer control line LT_(x), and theselection control line LSEL are driven by a row selecting circuit 102 asa pixel driving portion.

The row selecting circuit 102, for example, has a plurality of shiftregisters for outputting a reset signal RST and a drive signal TG to acontrol line to which each of the reset control line LRST, the transfercontrol line LT_(x), and the selection control line LSEL is connected.

When so-called P-phase read and D-phase read are carried out, the rowselecting circuit 102 is controlled in such a way that the P-phase readand the D-phase read are carried out multiple times (twice in thisembodiment) under the control corresponding to a control signal CTL madeby a control system (not shown).

The row selecting circuit 102 carries out output control for a drivesignal TG in such a way that in a phase of drive for the first P-phaseread and D-phase read, D-phase sampling is carried out while the drivesignal TG for the transfer transistor 112 is held at a low level. Thefirst P-phase read corresponds to a reset reading operation, and thefirst D-phase read corresponds to a non-transfer reading operation.

The row selecting circuit 102 carries out output control for the drivesignal TG in such a way that in a phase of drive for the second P-phaseread and D-phase read, the D-phase sampling is carried out while thedrive signal TG for the transfer transistor 112 is held at a high level.The second P-phase read corresponds to the reset reading operation, andthe second D-phase read corresponds to a transfer reading operation.

Processing for carrying out the D-phase sampling while the transfertransistor 112 is held turned OFF by setting the drive signal TG at thelow level is referred to as TG·OFF signal processing.

Processing for carrying out the D-phase sampling while the transfertransistor 112 is held turned ON by setting the drive signal TG at thehigh level is referred to as TG·ON signal processing.

The column reading circuit 103 receives data, in the pixel row, which isread and controlled by the pixel driving circuit 102, and transfers thedata in the pixel row to a signal processing circuit in a subsequentstage through the transfer line 106 and the amplifier circuit 105.

The line memory 104 stores therein a TG·OFF signal in the TG·OFF signalprocessing.

The CMOS image sensor 100 of this embodiment has a function of makingthe data of [TG·ON signal−TG·OFF signal] the sensor output, therebycanceling the drop of the potential VSL of the signal line 116 for atime period from the P-phase to the D-phase.

The CMOS image sensor 100 of this embodiment, for a time period forwhich data for one row of the pixels is read out, carries out the firstread drive and the second read drive, and output of a signalcorresponding to a difference between a signal read out in accordancewith the second read drive and a signal read out in accordance with thefirst read drive.

Hereinafter, a description will be given with respect to processing formaking the data of [TG·ON signal−TG·OFF signal] the sensor output by theCMOS image sensor 100 of this embodiment in conjunction with FIGS. 7(A)and (B).

FIGS. 7(A) and (B) are timing charts for explaining the P-phase read andthe D-phase read according to this embodiment.

FIG. 7(A) shows the timing chart of the TG·OFF signal processing, andFIG. 7(B) shows the timing chart of the TG·ON signal processing.

In the pixel array portion 101 in which the pixels each shown in FIG. 5are disposed in the matrix with m rows and n columns, a change inpotential VSL of the vertical signal line 116 belonging to a y-th columnfor a time period (a time period of 1 H) for which the pixels belongingto an x-th row are selected as shown in FIGS. 7(A) and (B) is designatedby VSL_(y) (1≦x≦m, 1≦y≦n).

In the TG·OFF signal processing, the select signal SEL_(x) for the x-throw becomes the high level, thereby selecting the x-th row. When thereset signal RST_(x) signal becomes the high level, the floatingdiffusion FD of the pixel in the x-th row and the y-th column becomesthe high level, so that VSL_(y) becomes the reset level called theP-phase.

In the TG·OFF signal processing, thereafter, the drive signal TG_(x) isheld at the low level, and the transfer transistor 112 is held turnedOFF.

The sensor output at this time is the TG·OFF signal, which means thatthe drop of the potential VSL of the signal line 116 for the time periodfrom the P-phase to the D-phase is outputted.

The TG·OFF signal is stored in the line memory 104 through the columnreading circuit 103.

In the TG·OFF signal processing, the select signal SEL for the x-th rowbecomes the high level, thereby selecting the x-th row. When the resetsignal RST_(x) signal becomes the high level, the floating diffusion FDof the pixel in the x-th row and the y-th column becomes the high level,so that VSL_(y) becomes the reset level called the P phase.

In the TG·ON signal processing, thereafter, when the drive signal TG_(x)is held at the high level, and the transfer transistor 112 is heldturned ON, the electric charges within the pixel move to the floatingdiffusion FD. Also, the potential at the floating diffusion FD drops,whereby the potential VSL_(y) of the signal line 16 drops.

The level of the potential VSL_(y) of the signal line 116 at that timeis assigned to the D phase.

Also, the TG·OFF signal stored in the line memory 104 is subtracted fromthe TG·ON signal (TG·ON signal−TG·OFF signal), whereby a signal in whichthe drop of the potential VSL of the signal line 116 for the time periodfrom the P-phase to the D-phase is canceled is outputted from theamplifier circuit 105.

As has been described so far, in the general CMOS image sensor,normally, in the D-phase read, the drive signal TG is set at the highlevel, thereby reading out the pixel data.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, in the first P-phase read andD-phase read, the D-phase sampling is carried out while the drive signalTG is held at the low level.

In this embodiment, the output of the sensor at this time is referred toas the TG·OFF signal, which means that the drop of the potential VSL ofthe signal line 116 for the time period from the P-phase to the D-phaseis outputted.

Next, in the second P-phase read and D-phase read, the drive signal TGis set at the high level, and the D-phase sampling is carried out.

Also, in this embodiment, the TG·OFF signal, as shown in FIG. 7(A), isread out, for example, every k rows (1≦k≦m) to be stored in the linememory 104 for the k rows.

After that, the TG·ON signal as shown in FIG. 7(B) is read out, and thedifference between the TG·ON signal and the TG·OFF signal belonging tothe same row is outputted.

In general, a value of k becomes either one row or m rows in many cases.

When k=1, the TG·OFF signal of the x-th row→the TG·ON signal of the x-throw→the TG·OFF signal of the (x+1)-th row→the TG·ON signal of the(x+1)-th row→. . . is repeated.

When k=m, after the TG·OFF signals for one frame are read out and arethen stored in the frame memory, the TG·ON signals are read out.

It is noted that since it is expected that the TG·OFF signal has theless electric change unless there is no change in temperature, it isalso possible that after the TG·OFF signals for one frame are stored inthe frame memory, differences between the TG·ON signals for severalframes and the TG·OFF signals for the same frames as those of the TG·ONsignals are obtained, thereby increasing a frame rate.

As has been described so far, according to this embodiment, thefollowing effects can be obtained.

In the general CMOS image sensor, [sensor output (TG·ON signal)=pixelsignal+VSL potential drop] is obtained.

On the other hand, in the CMOS image sensor 100 of this embodiment,[sensor output=TG·ON signal−TG·OFF signal =pixel signal+VSL potentialdrop−VSL potential drop =pixel signal] is obtained. Thus, it is possibleto obtain the sensor output, having the less noise, in which the drop ofthe potential of the signal line VSL which has not been able to becanceled in the existing CMOS image sensor is canceled.

It is noted that since in this embodiment, both the TG·ON signal and theTG·OFF signal are necessary for each of the rows, it is feared that theframe rate is hardly increased as compared with the general CMOS imagesensor in which only the TG·ON output is carried out.

However, the drop of the VSL potential for the time period from the Pphase to the D phase (the FD white point or the like) exerts a largeinfluence on the phase of the low illuminance at which the output of thepixel data is small in terms of the picture.

In general, in the phase of the low illuminance, an amount of signal isensured by the exposure for a long time in which the frame rate isreduced in many cases.

For this reason, as shown in FIG. 8, the sensor is made to have a firstmode MODE1 as a normal mode in which the TG·ON signal is outputted, anda second mode MODE2 in which [TG·ON signal−TG·OFF signal] in theembodiment described above is outputted mainly in the phase of imagecapturing with low illuminance.

Also, if one mode is switched over to the other mode corresponding tothe subject in accordance with a mode switching signal MSW, the optimaldrive can be carried out every subject.

It should be noted that although the CMOS image sensor according to eachof the embodiments is especially by no means limited, for example, theCMOS image sensor concerned can also be configured in the form of a CMOSimage sensor equipped with a column parallel type analog digitalconverter (hereinafter referred to as ADC (Analog digital converter) forshort).

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of asolid-state image pickup element (CMOS image sensor) equipped with acolumn parallel ADC according to the embodiment of the presentinvention.

This solid-state image pickup element 200, as shown in FIG. 9, has apixel portion 210 as an image pickup portion, a row selecting circuit220 as a pixel driving portion, an internal clock (CLK) generatingcircuit 230, a ramp (RAMP) waveform generating circuit 240, an ADC group250 in which a plurality of ADCs (analog-digital (AD) converters) as apixel signal reading portion are disposed in parallel with one another,an amplifier circuit (S/A) 260, and a transfer line 270.

The pixel portion 210 is configured in such a way that pixels 211 eachincluding a photodiode and an intra-pixel amplifier, and having aconfiguration, for example, as shown in FIG. 6 are disposed in a matrix(in rows and columns) with m rows and n columns.

Basically, a plurality of ADCs each composed of a comparator 251 forcomparing a ramp waveform (RAMP) in which a reference voltage generatedby the ramp waveform generating circuit 240 is changed in a staircasepattern, and an analog signal potential VSL obtained from the pixelsevery row line through corresponding one of vertical signal lines witheach other, and an up/down counter 252 having a counter for countingcomparison time, and a latch, for example, including an N-bit memory forholding therein the count result are disposed in a plurality of columns,respectively, in the ADC group 250.

The ADC group 250 has a function of carrying out the conversion into ann-bit digital signal, and the ADC of the ADC group 250 is disposed everyvertical signal line (column line), thereby configuring a columnparallel ADC block.

The outputs of the latches are connected to the transfer line 270, forexample, having a 2n-bit width.

Also, the amplifier circuit 260 corresponding to the transfer line 270is disposed.

Basically, in the ADC group 250, an analog pixel signal V_(sig)(potential VSL) read out to the corresponding one of the vertical signallines is compared with the ramp waveform RAMP as a slope waveform as thereference voltage in the comparator (comparator) 251 disposed everycolumn.

At this time, the up/down counter 252 disposed every column similarly tothe case of the comparator 251 operates. Thus, a certain potentialV_(slope) of the ramp waveform RAMP, and the counter value change whileone-to-one correspondence is obtained between them, thereby convertingthe potential (analog signal) VSL of the corresponding one of thevertical signal lines into the digital signal.

A change in reference voltage V_(slope) is obtained by converting achange in voltage into a change in time. Thus, the time is counted for acertain period (clock), thereby converting the analog signal into thedigital value.

Also, when the analog electrical signal VSL and the reference voltageV_(slope) cross in level each other, the output from the comparator 251is inversed to either stop an input clock to the up/down counter 252, orinput the clock stopped in its input to the up/down counter 252, therebycompleting the AD conversion.

After completion of the time period from the AD conversion describedabove, the data held in the latches is transferred to the transfer line270 to be inputted to the signal processing circuit (not shown) throughthe amplifier circuits 260, thereby creating a two-dimensional imagethrough predetermined signal processing.

In the manner described above, the circuit configuration realizing theoutput of [TG·ON signal−TG·OFF signal] is applied to the column ADCcircuit using the up/down counter in each of the columns, thereby makingit possible to realize the output of [TG·ON signal−TG·OFF signal]requiring no line memory.

This configuration is one of the circuits most effective to the outputof [TG·ON signal−TG·OFF signal].

As has been stated, the signal potential VSL of each of the columns iscompared with the ramp waveform RAMP, and the number of clocks CLK untilthe output from the corresponding one of the comparators 251 is invertedis counted, thereby making it possible to obtain the sensor outputthrough the AD conversion in each of the columns.

In addition, the down count is carried out in the phase of the P phase,and the up count is carried out in the phase of the D phase, therebymaking it possible to carry out the CDS for the D phase−P phase in eachof the columns.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing a reading method for the time periodof 1 H for which the output of [TG·ON signal−TG·OFF signal] is realizedin the CMOS image sensor shown in FIG. 9.

In this case, two time periods of a TG·ON read time period and a TG·OFFread section are contained in the time period of 1 H. Although there isno difference in order of the two time periods, FIG. 10 shows an examplein which the TG·OFF read time period is firstly made.

For the TG·OFF read time period, after a reset signal RST_(x) is set ata high level, a value of a P phase 1 is up-counted by the up/downcounter 252.

After that, a value of a D phase 1 is down-counted by the up/downcounter 252 while the drive signal TG is held at a low level.

For the TG·ON read time period, after the reset signal RST_(x) is set atthe high level, a value of a P phase 2 is down-counted by the up/downcounter 252.

After that, the drive signal TG is set at the high level, and a value ofa D phase 2 is up-counted by the up/down counter 252.

A difference in behavior between the TG·OFF read time period and theTG·ON read time period is that the drive signal TG in the phase of the Dphase is held at the low level (TG=Low) for the TG·OFF read time period,and is held at the high level (TG=High) for the TG·ON read time period.

Finally, in accordance with the reading method shown in FIG. 10, thesensor output becomes [sensor output=TG·ON signal−TG·OFF signal=D phase2−P phase 2−(D phase 1−P phase 1)=D phase 1−P phase 1−P phase 2+D phase2].

In such a manner, by the column ADC using the up/down counter, theoutput of [TG·ON signal−TG·OFF signal] can be realized without requiringa special line memory.

It is noted that since the P phase 1 and the P phase 2 ought tobasically become the same potential, as shown in FIG. 11, the TG·OFFoutput is down-counted (P phase) and the TG·ON output is up-counted (Dphase), thereby making it possible to simplify the ramp waveform RAMPand the operation of the counter.

As a result, the further reduced low power consumption and the speed-upbecome possible.

As has been described so far, according to this embodiment, thefollowing effects can be obtained.

The image having the less noise is obtained in which the TG·OFF whitepoint, the vertical streak, the shading and the like due to the drop ofthe potential of the signal potential VSL for the time period from the Pphase to the D phase are canceled (TG·OFF canceled output).

By the application to the column ADC circuit using the up/down counter,the image of the TG·OFF canceled output having the less noise isobtained without the line memory.

Normally, the image capturing is carried out at the high frame rate, andat the time of the low illuminance in which the TG·OFF white point orthe like is highly visible, the current mode is switched over to theTG·OFF canceled output mode, whereby the optimal image can be obtainedevery subject.

The solid-state image pickup element having such effects can be appliedas an image pickup device for a digital camera or a video camera.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a camerasystem to which the solid-state image pickup element according to theembodiment of the present invention is applied.

This camera system 300, as shown in FIG. 12, has an image pickup device310 to which the CMOS image sensor (solid-state image pickup element)100, 200 according to the embodiment can be applied, an optical systemfor guiding an incident light to a pixel area of the image pickup device310 (for imaging a subject image), for example, a lens 320 for imagingthe incident light (image light) on an imaging area, a driving circuit(DRV) 330 for driving the image pickup device 310, and a signalprocessing circuit (PRC) 340 for processing an output signal from theimage pickup device 310.

The driving circuit 330 has a timing generator (not shown) forgenerating various kinds of timing signals containing therein a startpulse and a clock pulse in accordance with which circuits within theimage pickup device 310 are driven, and drives the image pickup device310 in accordance with the predetermined timing signal.

In addition, the signal processing circuit 340 subjects the outputsignal from the image pickup device 310 to predetermined signalprocessing.

An image signal obtained through the processing in the signal processingcircuit 340 is recorded in a recording medium such as a memory. Imageinformation recorded in the recording medium is hard-copied by a printeror the like. In addition, the image signal obtained through theprocessing in the signal processing circuit 340 is displayed as a movingimage on a monitor composed of a liquid crystal display and the like.

As described above, the image pickup element 100, 200 previously statedis mounted as the image pickup device 310 to the image pickup apparatussuch as a digital still camera, thereby making it possible to realizethe highly precise camera having the less power consumption.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for driving a solid-state imagepickup element having (a) a plurality of pixel circuits, each including(i) an output node, (ii) a photoelectric conversion element configuredto convert an optical signal into an electrical signal and accumulatethe electrical signal, and (iii) a transfer element configured to beturned ON and OFF in accordance with a drive signal and transfer theelectrical signal in the photoelectric conversion element in an ON stateto the output node, (b) a pixel driving portion, and (c) a pixel signalreading portion, the method comprising the steps of: performing, withthe pixel driving portion, a first read drive with which the transferelement is turned OFF in accordance with the drive signal to output afirst signal at the output node; performing, with the pixel drivingportion, a second read drive with which the transfer element is turnedON in accordance with the drive signal to transfer the accumulatedelectrical signal to the output node, thereby outputting a second signalat the output node; and outputting, with the pixel signal readingportion, a signal corresponding to a difference between the secondsignal read out in accordance with the second read drive and the firstsignal read out in accordance with the first read drive, wherein, afirst mode and a second mode can be switched over to each other inaccordance with a mode switching signal, in a phase of the first mode,the pixel driving portion performs only the second read drive, and thepixel signal reading portion outputs a signal read out in accordancewith the second read drive, and in a phase of the second mode, the pixeldriving portion performs the first read drive and the second read drive,and the pixel signal reading portion outputs a signal corresponding to adifference between the signal read out in accordance with the secondread drive and a signal read out in accordance with the first readdrive.
 2. A method for driving a solid-state image pickup element having(a) a plurality of pixel circuits, each including (i) an output node,(ii) a photoelectric conversion element configured to convert an opticalsignal into an electrical signal and accumulate the electrical signal,(iii) a reset element configured to be turned ON and OFF in accordancewith a reset signal and reset the output node in an ON state, and (iv) atransfer element configured to be turned ON and OFF in accordance with adrive signal and transfer the electrical signal in the photoelectricconversion element in the ON state to the output node, (b) a pixeldriving portion, and (c) a pixel signal reading portion, the methodcomprising the steps of: performing, with the pixel driving portion, afirst read drive including a reset read drive with which the resetelement is turned ON in accordance with the reset signal to output asignal at the output node, and a non-transfer read drive with which thetransfer element is turned OFF in accordance with the drive signal tooutput a first signal at the output node; performing, with the pixeldriving portion, a second read drive including a reset read drive withwhich the reset element is turned ON in accordance with the reset signalto output the signal at the output node, and a transfer read drive withwhich the transfer element is turned ON in accordance with the drivesignal to transfer the electrical signal to the output node, therebyoutputting a second signal at the output node; and outputting, with thepixel signal reading portion, a signal corresponding to a differencebetween the second signal read out in accordance with the second readdrive and the first signal read out in accordance with the first readdrive.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the output of the signalcorresponding to the difference between the second signal read out inaccordance with the second read drive and the first signal read out inaccordance with the first read drive for a time period for which datafor one row of the pixels is read out.
 4. The method of claim 2, whereinthe step of outputting the signal comprises the steps of: comparing,with a plurality of comparators disposed so as to correspond to a columnof the pixels, read-out signal potentials with a reference voltage forjudgment, and outputting judgment results, respectively; and counting,with a plurality of up/down counters controlled in accordance withoutputs from the comparators, comparison time of corresponding one ofthe comparators.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of countingcomprises the steps of: in the phase of the first read drive, performingeither up count or down count in the reset read drive, and either downcount or up count in the non-transfer read drive; and in the phase ofthe second read drive, performing either down count or up count in thereset read drive, and either down up or down count in the transfer readdrive.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of counting comprisesthe steps of: in the phase of the first read drive, performing eitherdown count or up count in the non-transfer read drive; and in the phaseof the second read drive, performing either up count or down count inthe transfer read drive.
 7. The method of claim 2, wherein: a first modeand a second mode can be switched over to each other in accordance witha mode switching signal; in a phase of the first mode, the pixel drivingportion performs only the second read drive, and the pixel signalreading portion outputs a signal read out in accordance with the secondread drive; and in a phase of the second mode, the pixel driving portionperforms the first read drive and the second read drive, and the pixelsignal reading portion outputs a signal corresponding to a differencebetween the signal read out in accordance with the second read drive anda signal read out in accordance with the first read drive.
 8. Asolid-state image pickup element comprising: a pixel portion having aplurality of pixel circuits, each including (a) an output node, (b) aphotoelectric conversion element configured to convert an optical signalinto an electrical signal and accumulate the electrical signal, and (c)a transfer element configured to be turned ON and OFF in accordance witha drive signal and transfer the electrical signal in the photoelectricconversion element in an ON state to the output node; a pixel drivingportion configured to perform (d) a first read drive with which thetransfer element is turned OFF in accordance with the drive signal tooutput a first signal at the output node, and (e) a second read drivewith which the transfer element is turned ON in accordance with thedrive signal to transfer the accumulated electrical signal to the outputnode, thereby outputting a second signal at the output node; and a pixelsignal reading portion configured to output a signal corresponding to adifference between the second signal read out in accordance with thesecond read drive and the first signal read out in accordance with thefirst read drive, wherein, a first mode and a second mode can beswitched over to each other in accordance with a mode switching signal,in a phase of the first mode, the pixel driving portion carries out onlythe second read drive, and the pixel signal reading portion outputs asignal read out in accordance with the second read drive, and in a phaseof the second mode, the pixel driving portion carries out the first readdrive and the second read drive, and the pixel signal reading portionoutputs a signal corresponding to a difference between the signal readout in accordance with the second read drive and a signal read out inaccordance with the first read drive.
 9. A solid-state image pickupelement comprising: a pixel portion having a plurality of pixelcircuits, each including (a) an output node, (b) a photoelectricconversion element configured to convert an optical signal into anelectrical signal and accumulate the electrical signal, (c) a resetelement configured to be turned ON and OFF in accordance with a resetsignal and reset the output node in an ON state, and (d) a transferelement configured to be turned ON and OFF in accordance with a drivesignal and transfer the electrical signal in the photoelectricconversion element in the ON state to the output node; a pixel drivingportion configured to perform (e) a first read drive including (i) areset read drive with which the reset element is turned ON in accordancewith the reset signal to output a signal at the output node, and (ii) anon-transfer read drive with which the transfer element is turned OFF inaccordance with the drive signal to output a first signal at the outputnode, and (f) a second read drive including (i) a reset read drive withwhich the reset element is turned ON in accordance with the reset signalto output the signal at the output node, and (ii) a transfer read drivewith which the transfer element is turned ON in accordance with thedrive signal to transfer the electrical signal to the output node,thereby outputting a second signal at the output node; and a pixelsignal reading portion configured to output a signal corresponding to adifference between the second signal read out in accordance with thesecond read drive and the first signal read out in accordance with thefirst read drive.
 10. The solid-state image pickup element of claim 9,wherein: the pixel driving portion and the pixel signal reading portioncarry out the first read drive and the second read drive, and the outputof the signal corresponding to the difference between the second signalread out in accordance with the second read drive and the first signalread out in accordance with the first read drive for a time period forwhich data for one row of the pixels is read out.
 11. The solid-stateimage pickup element of claim 9, wherein the pixel signal readingportion includes: a plurality of comparators which are disposed so as tocorrespond to a column arrangement of the pixels, and which compareread-out signal potentials with a reference voltage for judgment, andoutput judgment results, respectively; and a plurality of up/downcounters operations of which are controlled in accordance with outputsfrom the comparators, respectively, and each of which counts comparisontime of corresponding one of the comparators.
 12. The solid-state imagepickup element of claim 11, wherein the plurality of up/down counters,in the phase of the first read drive, carry out either up count or downcount in the reset read drive, and carry out either down count or upcount in the non-transfer read drive, and in the phase of the secondread drive, carry out either down count or up count in the reset readdrive, and carry out either up count or down count in the transfer readdrive.
 13. The solid-state image pickup element of claim 11, wherein theplurality of up/down counters in the phase of the first read drive,carry out either down count or up count in the non-transfer read drive,and in the phase of the second read drive, carry out either up count ordown count in the transfer read drive.
 14. The solid-state image pickupelement of claim 9, wherein: a first mode and a second mode can beswitched over to each other in accordance with a mode switching signal;in a phase of the first mode, the pixel driving portion carries out onlythe second read drive, and the pixel signal reading portion outputs asignal read out in accordance with the second read drive; and in a phaseof the second mode, the pixel driving portion carries out the first readdrive and the second read drive, and the pixel signal reading portionoutputs a signal corresponding to a difference between the signal readout in accordance with the second read drive and a signal read out inaccordance with the first read drive.
 15. A camera system comprising: asolid-state image pickup element; an optical system for imaging an imageof a subject on the solid-state image pickup element; and a signalprocessing circuit for processing an output image signal from thesolid-state image pickup element, the solid-state image pickup elementincluding a pixel portion having a plurality of pixel circuits, eachincluding (a) an output node, (b) a photoelectric conversion elementconfigured to convert an optical signal into an electrical signal andaccumulate the electrical signal, (c) a reset element configured to beturned ON and OFF in accordance with a reset signal and reset the outputnode in an ON state, and (d) a transfer element configured to be turnedON and OFF in accordance with a drive signal and transfer the electricalsignal in the photoelectric conversion element in the ON state to theoutput node, a pixel driving portion configured to perform (e) a firstread drive including (i) a reset read drive with which the reset elementis turned ON in accordance with the reset signal to output a signal atthe output node, and (ii) a non-transfer read drive with which thetransfer element is turned OFF in accordance with the drive signal tooutput a first signal at the output node, and (f) a second read driveincluding (i) a reset read drive with which the reset element is turnedON in accordance with the reset signal to output the signal at theoutput node, and (ii) a transfer read drive with which the transferelement is turned ON in accordance with the drive signal to transfer theelectrical signal to the output node, thereby outputting a second signalat the output node, and a pixel signal reading portion configured tooutput a signal corresponding to a difference between the second signalread out in accordance with the second read drive and the first signalread out in accordance with the first read drive.